Hello, and welcome to the Solidarity Fest. This Solidarity Fest was organized by punk rockers, riot grrrl L.A., and anarchists.

The reasoning behind our event: Shareef Abdullah passed away earlier this year, so the Solidarity Fest is a tribute show and commemoration to the Los Angeles Black Panther Party and to Shareef. Many people may not be aware of this, but we have had a strong and on going friendship with the Black Panther Party for over 20 years, and have organized and shared activist activities throughout this time together.

Solidarity Fest wishes to pay a tribute to our friends Elder (Ronald) Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Roland Freeman. They have as well unfortunately for the community, passed away last year. Some people might have heard them speak at the Anarchist Conference or at one or L.A.Anarchist Bookfairs.

This is our way of saying “thank you” for the friendship and the time we have shared amongst each other. If you have never heard of these original members of the L.A. Panthers, you can check out the documentary film; 41st and Central The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers, by Gregory Everett. Wayne Pharr had put out a book entitled; Nine Lives of a Black Panther: A Story of Survival.

The idea behind the themes in the Solidarity Fest: Solidarity Fest as an idea was inspired by the activism in the 60's to the 70's, namely by the Black Panther Party. If you study the history of the original Black Panther Party, you will easily see they were amazing organizers in there community, and had a variety of programs that supported the people. They even started the Rainbow Coalition, and worked with all people of color. The movement also expanded to be an international organization, and linked the struggle to all oppressed people. This is where the slogan "All Power to the People" came from. The original Black Panther Party was not racist. If you read the book; To Die for the People, written by Huey P. Newton (one of the original founders), he explains clearly why it is important to support the Gay Liberation and Women's Liberation Movement. Many similar rallies like Solidarity Fest were organized in the 60's and 70's with different generations of people in participation. It was powerful, due to the art, music, poetry, speakers, street protests, and more that were involved. This is what united everyone together, each with their contributions and talents. This conglomeration of activist organizations was carried into the mid 90's.

There have been countless Solidarity Fests going on over several years in places like Orange County, to Los Angeles, Ventura, and even in Arizona- organized by Contravene. The Solidarity Fests always had workshops, speakers, and bands included.

Many friendships have been established, and many brilliant ideas have been expressed. These have been great times in meeting new friends and networking, please take the opportunity to do the same here today. We are also celebrating this legacy today. Please do not go home empty handed, pick up some interesting and thought provoking zines, some flyers, books, and show your support of Do-It-Yourself distros.

Read, study, open up your mind, organize, make the first move, and go out there and change the world and have fun while doing it!